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St. Joseph's Day

Always observed on March 19

Facts

St. Joseph’s Day is a Roman Catholic feast day commemorating the life of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Those with strong religious associations, often those of southern Italian descent, typically celebrate St. Joseph’s Day.

March 19 is said to be St. Joseph’s birthday.

2016 Product Features

Hallmark offers two St. Joseph's Day card priced at $1.99 each.

The cards have a spiritual focus or light blessing to commemorate St. Joseph's Day.

Holiday History

During a famine in Sicily, when food was scarce and many people were starving, the poor people had only their faith to rely on. St. Joseph was known as the protector of the Holy Family; thus, Italians with strong family relationships prayed for St. Joseph to intercede for them, in an effort to ensure successful crops. Their prayers were answered, and the famine came to an end. In gratitude, people promised to make annual offerings of their most precious possession – food – in St. Joseph's honor.

Today, some Catholic churches prepare "St. Joseph Tables" to honor St. Joseph. They are filled with beautiful and often elaborate foods. Each table is blessed by a priest and presided over by a statue of St. Joseph, and the public is invited to view the tables and purchase the food. Donations typically are given to the poor.

In Stores

Available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide. Use the store locator on Hallmark.com to find the nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store.